Shocking new CCTV footage has been released by detectives hunting a brazen thief who carried out a 'piggyback' robbery at a bustling Westminster bank.
The video captures the audacious moment the suspect, described as a smartly dressed man, waits for a customer to enter their PIN at a cash machine before striking. As the victim completes their transaction, the robber swoops in, shoulder-to-shoulder, to withdraw hundreds of pounds using the card he had just stolen.
A Chillingly Calm Criminal
The footage shows the individual acting with chilling calmness. He is seen loitering in the bank, dressed in a distinct blue jacket, black trousers, and white trainers, seemingly blending in with other customers before he makes his move. The entire brazen theft takes just moments to execute.
Metropolitan Police officers believe this was not an isolated incident and are investigating whether the same man is responsible for a string of similar offences across central London.
A Plea to the Public
In a fresh public appeal, detectives from the Central West CID are urging anyone who recognises the man to come forward immediately. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in or around the branch on the afternoon of Tuesday, 16 April.
"The suspect has deliberately targeted the victim in this case and stolen a significant quantity of cash," a police spokesperson stated. "We need the public's help to identify this man and prevent further victims from suffering this invasive crime."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police via 101, quoting the reference number 7473/16APR.
